ROOM FOR DEBATE

As Jim Dwyer pointed out in a Times column this week [1], as Internet access has become crucial for many Americans, particularly students, the inability to pay for online service has kept millions disconnected.

Does the industry need to be more closely regulated, or subject to more government action, to provide wider Internet access to lower-income people?

[1] http://www.nytimes.com/2014/07/09/nyregion/for-those-in-the-digital-dark-enlightenment-is-borrowed-from-the-library-.html

DEBATERS

Government Should Invest in Fiber Optics
http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2014/07/10/how-to-make-the-internet-available-to-all/government-should-invest-in-fiber-optics

Susan Crawford, author, "Captive Audience"

Programs that have worked in Sweden could work here, installing lines and leasing them to Internet providers.

Keep Out Government and Service Will Improve
http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2014/07/10/how-to-make-the-internet-available-to-all/keep-out-government-and-internet-service-will-improve

Larry Downes, Georgetown Center for Business and Public Policy

Industry innovation and existing federally mandated subsidies will expand availability, which is wider than has been suggested.

Make Providers Regulated Utilities
http://www.nytimes.com/roomfordebate/2014/07/10/how-to-make-the-internet-available-to-all/make-internet-providers-regulated-utilities

Jessica J. González, National Hispanic Media Coalition

Universal access is crucial. Prices must be controlled and subsidies must be enforced.